Bypass Mechanism

ABSTRACT

A bypass mechanism for a photovoltaic module which switches out the electronics and switches in a bypass mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/840,633, filed Apr. 6, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/722,406, filed Oct. 2, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,651,647), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/215,130, filed Mar. 17, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,819,178), whichclaims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/794,983, filed Mar. 15, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Despite substantial efforts, heretofore a suitable bypass mechanism hasnot been achieved for allowing a simple and easy system and method tobypass and reconnect electronics embedded in a photovoltaic junctionbox.

The figures below and their accompanying explanations demonstrate anumber of ways to achieve the benefits discussed.

SUMMARY

The following summary is for illustrative purposes only, and is notintended to limit or constrain the detailed description.

Embodiments herein (described in detail in the sections below) discussphotovoltaic (PV) modules (e.g., cells) with built-in electronics (e.g.,diodes and conversion circuits such as series connected diode(s),DC-to-DC converters, and inverter(s)). These embodiments may provide amechanism to achieve easy access directly to the PV cells, withouthaving the electronics (e.g., capacitance of a DC-DC converter) obstructvarious critical measurements such as measurements of the PV modules. Incertain embodiments, flash testing of the PV modules requires a quickresponse time and elimination of capacitance to achieve consistentmeasurements. Thus, it has been found that flash tests are impactednegatively where there is a delay in measuring the results and/or wherecapacitance is disposed between the test points and the PV modules.Hence, it has been found in many embodiments that flash testing of thePV module requires a bypass that does not increase response time and/oris negatively impacted by capacitance. As part of the productionprocess, many PV module manufacturers perform a “flash test” of modules,in which the module is exposed to a short intense flash of light, andthe output of the PV cells is measured. One of the purposes of such atest is to verify that the cells are all connected and measure at theactual power rating of the module (since there may be, at times, a largevariance in performance between seemingly-identical modules). It hasbeen determined that capacitance and delays in the measurement impactaccuracy of the flash test results. Hence, a bypass mechanism is neededto accurately measure these modules without degradations in themeasurements. For example, a parallel connection of the PV cells andelectronics may hinder and skew the test results when the impedance ofthe electronics interferes with the measurement. Further, embodimentshave also encountered problems when flash testing is performed prior toconnecting the junction box with the electronics. It has been found insome embodiments that testing the module with its final electronicsinstalled often provides improved test parameters and reliability.

According to some aspects as described herein, a method may be providedthat comprises bypassing electronics of a photovoltaic module byswitching out the electronics and switching in a bypass circuit. Thephotovoltaic module may comprise a first plurality of terminals, thebypass circuit may comprise a bypass module that comprises a secondplurality of terminals, and the bypassing may comprise electricallycoupling at least some of the first plurality of terminals with thesecond plurality of terminals. The bypass module may further comprise athird plurality of terminals, and the bypassing may comprise removingthe third plurality of terminals from being electrically coupled withthe first plurality of terminals prior to the electrically coupling ofthe at least some of the first plurality of terminals with the secondplurality of terminals. In some aspects, the photovoltaic module maycomprise a first plurality of terminals, the bypass circuit may comprisea structure that, when physically coupled with the first plurality ofterminals, causes at least some of the first plurality of terminals tobe electrically shorted to one another in order to perform thebypassing. Prior to the bypassing, the electronics may be electricallycoupled to a circuit node configured to be coupled to a string ofphotovoltaic cells, and the bypassing may comprise electricallydisconnecting the electronics from the circuit node. Additionally oralternatively, prior to the bypassing, the electronics may be coupled inseries between a first circuit node and a second circuit node (the firstcircuit node may be configured to be coupled to a string of photovoltaiccells), and the bypassing may comprise disconnecting the electronicsfrom the first circuit node and the second circuit node and electricallycoupling the bypass circuit so as to electrically couple the firstcircuit node with the second circuit node.

According to further aspects, an apparatus may be provided thatcomprises a first circuit node configured to be electrically coupled toa string of photovoltaic cells, a second circuit node, a third circuitnode, a fourth circuit node, and electronics electrically coupled inseries between the third terminal and the fourth circuit nodes. Theapparatus may further comprise a bypass circuit configured toelectrically short together at least some of the first, second, third,and fourth circuit nodes as follows. In a first state, the bypasscircuit may electrically short together the first circuit node and thesecond circuit node. In a second state, the bypass circuit mayelectrically short together the first circuit node and the third circuitnode and electrically short together the second circuit node and thefourth circuit node. The apparatus may further comprise a housingenclosing the first, second, third, and fourth circuit nodes and alsoenclosing the electronics, wherein the first circuit node iselectrically coupled to a first terminal, the second circuit node iselectrically coupled to a second terminal, the third circuit node iselectrically coupled to a third terminal, the fourth circuit node iselectrically coupled to a fourth terminal, and the first, second, third,and fourth terminals are electrically accessible from outside thehousing.

In some cases, the bypass circuit may comprise a bypass moduleconfigured to physically engage with at least some of the first, second,third, and fourth terminals from outside the housing so as to performthe electrically shorting together. Additionally or alternatively, thebypass module may have a first plurality of terminals configured tophysically engage with at least some of the first, second, third, andfourth terminals so as to perform the electrically shorting together inthe first state and a second plurality of terminals configured tophysically engage with at least some of the first, second, third, andfourth terminals so as to perform the electrically shorting together inthe second state. The bypass circuit may be additionally oralternatively configured such that, in the first state, the thirdcircuit node is electrically disconnected from the first circuit nodeand the fourth circuit node is electrically disconnected from the secondcircuit node, and/or in the second state, the first circuit node iselectrically disconnected from the second circuit node. In someembodiment, the bypass circuit may comprise a first switch configured toselectively electrically couple together the first and second circuitnodes in the first state, a second switch configured to selectivelyelectrically couple together the first and third circuit nodes in thesecond state, and a third switch configured to selectively electricallycouple together the second and fourth circuit nodes in the second state.

Still further aspects are directed to a method, comprising bypassingelectronics of a photovoltaic module using a bypass circuit, flashtesting photovoltaic cells of (e.g., that are part of and/orelectrically coupled to) the photovoltaic module while the electronicsare bypassed, and reconnecting the electronics by switching in theelectronics and switching out the bypass circuit. The photovoltaicmodule may comprise a first plurality of terminals, and the bypasscircuit may comprise a bypass module that comprises a second pluralityof terminals. During the bypassing, at least some of the first pluralityof terminals may be electrically coupled with the second plurality ofterminals. The bypass module may additionally or alternatively comprisea third plurality of terminals. In such a case, the reconnecting (e.g.,reconnecting the electronics with the photovoltaic cells) may comprisedisconnecting the second plurality of terminals from the at least someof the first plurality of terminals and electrically coupling the thirdplurality of terminals with the first plurality of terminals. In somecases, bypass circuit may alternatively comprise at least one switchthat is in a first state during the bypassing and a second state duringthe reconnecting.

As noted above, this summary is merely a summary of some of the featuresdescribed herein. It is not exhaustive, and it is not to be a limitationon the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, claims, and drawings. The present disclosure is illustratedby way of example, and not limited by, the accompanying figures in whichlike numerals indicate similar elements.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate examples of a bypass mechanism in accordance withembodiments herein.

FIGS. 5-11 illustrate examples of a bypass mechanism for use, forexample, in a PV module, as shown in embodiments herein.

FIGS. 12-13 are physical mechanisms for implementing a bypass mechanismin accordance with embodiments herein.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate block/schematic diagrams of bypass mechanisms inaccordance with examples herein.

FIGS. 16-21 illustrate still other examples of bypass mechanisms inaccordance with examples herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, variousembodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structuraland functional modifications may be made, without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

Some of the embodiments discussed herein provide a number of benefitssuch as (1) enabling flash testing of a PV module with embeddedelectronics after installation of the junction box, (2) avoidinginterference caused by impedance of the electronics which can interferewith the measurement of the module characteristics, (3) in case ofmalfunction in the electronics, allowing for easy bypass, (4) allowingfor each field maintenance procedure even with defective electronics,(5) allowing for field conversion of a PV “smart” module withelectronics to revert to a regular (“stupid”) module without electronicsin the event of a failure.

Further some embodiments herein use a unique field operable andqualified bypass connector, allowing bypass of electronics inside amodule particular capacitive and other impedance electronics, theability to perform flash test on a PV module with built-in electronicswithout interference by capacitive elements, and the ability to doin-situ field-bypass of electronics embedded in a PV module.

The described invention has a number of benefits: (1) it enables flashtesting of a PV module with embedded electronics after installation ofthe junction box, which is impossible without the bypass (since theimpedance of the electronics interferes with the measurement of themodule characteristics), (2) in case of malfunction in the electronics,it allows easy bypass of it with a field maintenance procedure—whichallows the PV module to revert from a “smart” module with electronics toa regular (“stupid”) module.

The figures below and their accompanying explanations demonstrate anumber of ways to achieve the benefits discussed.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in one exemplary embodiment, a PV module 1000 isshown with solar cell configured as either a serial and/or parallelconfiguration. In the shown embodiment, the solar cells in the PV module1000 may be coupled in series and identified as individual solar cellstrings 1001-1, 1001-2, 1001-3, 1001-4, and the strings may furtherinclude one or more string diodes 1002-1, 1002-2, and 1002-3 coupledbetween the strings such as between circuit nodes VIN+ and VIN−.Electronics such as electronics 1004 may be included to control, shape,convert, invert, and/or otherwise process the voltage VIN+. Theseelectronics may have impedance, capacitance, and other components thatmay interfere with access and testing to the solar cells such as solarcell strings 1001-1, 1001-2, 1001-3, 1001-4. A bypass 1003 may beincluded within and/or external to PV module 1000 such that the bypass1003 allows measurement and minimizes and/or substantially eliminatesinterference from electronics 1004. The bypass may be a physical jumperand/or disconnect, an electronic switch such as a relay and/ortransistor.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment where the bypass is activateddisconnecting the electronics altogether and bypassing the electronicmodule. The physical wire represents the bypass of the electronics andthe connection of circuit nodes VIN+ to VOUT+. FIG. 3 shows an exemplaryembodiment where the electronics are in-line without the bypass beingenabled.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment where the bypass mechanism (e.g., aswitch) is in normal operating mode with the electronics engaged.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3 it can be seen that the capacitive and/orimpedance coupling to VOUT+ may be avoided in this embodiment becausethe capacitance and/or impedance associated with the electronics may bedisconnected from VOUT+, hence allowing for proper testing of the solarcells.

Referring to FIG. 4 , two different single pole, double throw (or triplethrow) switches may be utilized for the bypass. In this example, thenegative impacts from the electronics and any associated impedanceand/or inductance may be minimized and/or avoided. FIG. 4 may beimplemented via a diode, physical switch, relay, and/or manualconnector. In some embodiments, a manual connector may be more reliableand produce better bypass and testing results.

For example, in a manual configuration, a worker on a production lineand/or a technician in the field may decide to place the PV module in abypass mode for testing and/or for other operations such as a non-smartmode operation. The worker and/or technician may simply plug in a manualbypass connector to implement manual configuration. This avoids theadded costs associated with additional components and the reliabilityissues that arise with these components.

Of course other embodiments are also contemplated. For example,embodiments may use any combination of manual, automatic and/orsemi-automatic implementations. In one exemplary embodiment, theelectronics may be configured to wake up (e.g., with auxiliary powersupply from PV cells or from internal energy source such as a capacitoror battery) with the connector in bypass (e.g., so the output is routeddirectly to PV cells), may then perform a self-test to make sure the PVmodule and all electronics are fully operational, may then pause for apredetermined certain time, and only then switch the bypass to allowpower to flow through the electronics. Embodiments with thisconfiguration may have a number of benefits such as during flash testingthe cells are directly connected to output (since the wait time islonger than flash test length) and if the electronics are faulty, thebypass stays in its (normally-closed) condition and the PV module maycontinue to function as a “stupid” module. The relay/switch may also besemi manual—e.g. magnetic reed-relay which may allow a technician orworker to activate or deactivate the bypass from outside the PV modulewithout opening the junction box enclosure.

In still further embodiments, the electronics and/or string diodes maybe built directly into the PV module 1000. Including these in the PVmodule allows for greater reliability since the PV module need not beopened for the bypass operation to be implemented. Further, the bypassmay be implemented with minimal and/or almost no capacitance and/orimpedance interference.

Embodiments herein further increase the reliability and testing accuracyby disconnecting the output of the electronics in bypass mode. Theseembodiments may reduce or eliminate the output capacitance of theelectronics which may interfere with the measurements. Some embodimentsherein disconnect the DC+ of the electronics output and/or connect theDC+PV cells output to the cable−. If both the electronics are connectedand the electronics are bypassed, they would both be connected to theDC+ line and in many cases the measurements won't work even if theembedded electronics aren't operating (e.g., it is shorted).

FIG. 5 shows an example of an open junction box with an embeddedoptimizer, where the optimizer may be, for instance, the electronics1004. The junction box may include, be part of, and/or be coupled tosolar cell strings 1001 for passing and/or controlling power provided tosolar cell strings 1001. The junction box of FIG. 5 contains anelectronics compartment 101 containing the optimizer, connectioncompartment 102 (to the left of reference designator 100) containing theinput connections to the PV module cells, and output conductors 110 and111, and ports for a manual and/or electronic bypass mechanism asdiscussed herein.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the junction box 100, further showing theelectronics compartment (in this example containing optimizer 220). Thejunction box 100 may be variously configured such as containingconnections 210-213 from the PV module to the input of the electronics.In this example, at least two terminals 210 and 213 (for DC+ and DC−)may be used. In certain examples such as in the case of a PV modulewhich uses bypass diodes for its substrings, additional terminals (suchas 211 and 212) may be provided and string diodes (e.g., bypass diodes)230-233 may be used. Bypass connector terminals 201-204 may be provided.In this example, there is a DC+ input 204 from the PV cells, DC+ input203 to the optimizer, DC+ output 202 from the optimizer, and DC+ output201 to output cable 110, as indicated by reference numbers 201-204 alsoshown in FIGS. 1-3 . The DC− in this example goes directly from moduleconnection 213 to output cable 111.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a junction box as it may be shipped from thejunction box manufacturer to the PV module manufacturer. In thisexample, the electronics compartment may be sealed with a cover 301, sothe module manufacturer has no access to the electronics and could onlyconnect the module terminals (busbars) through hole 302. Cover 301 mayinclude foam strips 750 as shown. In this manner, the warranty is notvoided and the manufacturer of the PV module can still bypass theelectronics for testing of the solar cells directly during manufacturingand/or later in the field.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a junction box as it may be mounted on amodule. For example, FIGS. 5-7 may be configured to have a junction boxfrom the side attached to a module. Busbars from the module may bevariously configured such as to come through hole 302 and connect toterminals 210-213. Bypass connector 401 may also be provided. Forexample, it may connect the electronics to the output cables, or bypassthe electronics and connect (e.g., directly connect) the PV cells to theoutput cables.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of a wiring compartment and animplementation of the bypass connector 401. In this implementation, theconnector may be two sided. It could be connected in one example in anelectronics mode—in which junction box terminals 201-204 connect toconnector terminals 414-411 respectively. In the electronics mode, itmay be desirable to create shorts between 201-202 and 203-204 (forexample, configured as shown in FIG. 3 ) and it may also be desirable topass the PV cells' current through the electronics and then to theoutput cable. In alternate embodiments, the PV module may be connectedin bypass mode—in which junction box terminals 201 and 204 connect toconnector terminals 422 and 421 respectively, which may short betweenterminals 201 and 204 (for example, configured as shown in FIG. 2 ) andin this manner pass the PV cells' current directly to the output cable.In these examples, the junction box in final installed state, after thePV module terminal has been connected and covered with connectioncompartment cover 501, may still be tested.

FIG. 11 shows the wiring compartment illustrated in FIGS. 9-10 , butwith a cover 501 in place over the compartment.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show yet another alternate implementation for the bypassconnector. In this embodiment, the bypass connector may be variouslyconfigured. For example, rather than a single two-sided connector, theconnector may include either a connector which passes through theelectronics (e.g., FIG. 12 with terminals 611-614), and/or a connectorwhich bypasses the electronics (e.g., FIG. 13 with terminals 621-622).

FIG. 14 shows yet other embodiments of the implementation of theelectronics 1004. The top implementation shows an exemplary system suchas some of the ones discussed herein, in which the negative DC terminalis passed-through and therefore the bypass was performed on the DC+terminal, while in the bottom implementation the DC− isn't just apass-through connection, so it may also be bypassed in the same mannerdemonstrated above for the DC+ connection. This is of course analternate embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 above as well. Further, the sameconcepts used in these embodiments for DC+ may be used in otherembodiments for DC− (or may even be used for AC output connections, asmight be the case for AC modules in which the embedded electronicsconvert the DC input from the PV cells to AC output).

FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of one example of a junction box whichmay be utilized, for example, in FIGS. 5-10 . In this example, terminalBP_vout may correspond to terminal 201, terminal BP_e_vout maycorrespond to terminal 202, terminal BP_e_vin may correspond to terminal203, and terminal BPpanel may correspond to terminal 204.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of one example of a bypass connector401, discussed herein. Consistent with the above description, a firstside 1601 of bypass connector 401 may be plugged into and/or otherwiseelectrically coupled to terminals 201, 202, 203, and/or 204 to shortbetween BP_vout and BPpanel (e.g., terminals 201 and 204).Alternatively, a second side 1602 of bypass connector 401 may be pluggedinto and/or otherwise electrically coupled to terminals 201, 202, 203,and/or 204 to short between BP_vout and BP_e_vout (e.g., betweenterminals 201 and 202) and to short between BP_e_vin and BPpanel (e.g.,between terminals 203 and 204).

FIG. 17 shows an alternate construction of a bypass connector, in whichthe shorts may be implemented by use of switches (either purelymechanical such as DIP switches, electro-mechanical switches, reedrelays, or other switching elements). In the example of FIG. 17 , in afirst switching state, switches 1701, 1702, and/or 1703 may shortbetween BPpanel-BP_e_vin (e.g., between terminals 204 and 203) andbetween BP_e_vout-BP_vout (e.g., between terminals 202 and 201), thuspassing through the electronics 1004. In a second switching state,switches 1701, 1702, and/or 1703 may short BPpanel-BP_vout (e.g.,between terminals 204 and 201), thus bypassing the electronics 1004.

FIGS. 18-19 show still additional alternate exemplary constructions, inwhich the input from the PV cells BPpanel and the output to the cableBP_vout have spring constructions 702 and 701. In these constructions,to pass through the electronics, a plug 710 made of an isolatingmaterial is pushed into the connector, thus pushing 701 and 702 apartand shorting BPpanel-BP_e_vin and MP_e_vout-BP_vout. If we wish tobypass the electronics, a different plug 720 made of an isolatingmaterial is pushed into the connector, thus pushing 701 and 702 togetherand shorting BPpanel-BP_vout.

FIGS. 20-21 show yet another alternate construction. In this alternateexemplary embodiment, if we wish to pass through the electronics, a plug810 made of a base 811 from isolating material and two wedges 812-813made of conducting materials is pushed into the connector, thus pushing701 and 702 apart and shorting BPpanel-BP_e_vin and MP_e_vout-BP_vout.If we wish to bypass the electronics, a different plug 820 made of abase 821 from isolating material and wedge 822 made of conductingmaterial is pushed into the connector, thus pushing 701 and 702 togetherand shorting BPpanel-BP_vout.

Although example embodiments are described above, the various featuresand steps may be combined, divided, omitted, and/or augmented in anydesired manner, depending on the specific outcome and/or application.Various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occurto those skilled in art. Such alterations, modifications, andimprovements as are made obvious by this disclosure are intended to bepart of this description though not expressly stated herein, and areintended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, andnot limiting. This patent is limited only as defined in the followingclaims and equivalents thereto.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of terminals, comprising: afirst terminal configured to be electrically coupled to a string ofphotovoltaic cells; a second terminal; a third terminal; and a fourthterminal; a circuit electrically coupled between the third terminal andthe fourth terminal; and a bypass plug configured to mechanically coupleto the plurality of terminals, wherein the bypass plug comprises atleast one isolating portion, wherein the bypass plug is configured toisolate at least two of the plurality of terminals from each other,wherein the bypass plug is configured to switch between a first stateand a second state of the apparatus, and wherein in the first state ofthe apparatus, the first terminal and the second terminal areelectrically connected, and in the second state: the first terminal andthe third terminal are electrically connected, and the second terminaland the fourth terminal are electrically connected.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the bypass plug is further configured such that, in thefirst state, the third terminal is electrically disconnected from thefirst terminal and the fourth terminal is electrically disconnected fromthe second terminal.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bypassplug is further configured such that, in the second state, the firstterminal is electrically disconnected from the second terminal.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising the string of photovoltaiccells electrically coupled with the first terminal.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the isolating portion is configured to abut at leastone of the plurality of terminals.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinat least two of the plurality of terminals each comprises a conductiveprotuberance configured to electrically connect with another terminal ofthe plurality of terminals.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebypass plug is configured such that in an unplugged state the apparatusis in the first state, and wherein the bypass plug is configured suchthat in a plugged state the apparatus is in the second state.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the isolating portion of the bypass plugcomprises at least one prong configured to isolate between the firstterminal and the second terminal.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe bypass plug is configured such that in a plugged state, theapparatus is in the first state, and wherein the bypass plug isconfigured such that in an unplugged state the apparatus is in thesecond state.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the isolatingportion of the bypass plug comprises at least two prongs, wherein afirst prong is configured to isolate between the first terminal and thethird terminal, and a second prong is configured to isolate between thesecond terminal and the fourth terminal.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein when the bypass plug is in a plugged state, the bypass plug isconfigured to electrically connect the first terminal and the secondterminal and the apparatus is in the first state.
 12. A method,comprising: bypassing electronics of a photovoltaic module by one ofplugging in or unplugging a bypass plug to or from at least some of aplurality of terminals of the photovoltaic module; flash testingphotovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic module while the electronics arebypassed by the bypass plug, wherein the bypass plug comprises at leastone isolating portion configured to abut at least one of the pluralityof terminals of the photovoltaic module; and reconnecting theelectronics by the other of plugging in or unplugging the bypass plug toor from at least some of the plurality of terminals of the photovoltaicmodule.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of terminalsof the photovoltaic module comprise a first plurality of terminals, thebypass plug comprises a second plurality of terminals, and whereinduring the bypassing, at least some of the first plurality of terminalsare electrically coupled with the second plurality of terminals.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the photovoltaic cells are electricallycoupled to the photovoltaic module.
 15. The method of claim 12, whereinthe reconnecting comprises electronically coupling the electronics withthe photovoltaic cells.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein at least oneof the plurality of terminals comprises a conductive protuberanceconfigured to abut another one of the plurality of terminals.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, wherein: the bypassing the electronics comprisesplugging the bypass plug in to the at least some of the plurality ofterminals of the photovoltaic module; and the reconnecting theelectronics comprises unplugging the bypass plug from the at least someof the plurality of terminals of the photovoltaic module.
 18. The methodof claim 12, wherein: the bypassing the electronics comprises unpluggingthe bypass plug from the at least some of the plurality of terminals ofthe photovoltaic module; and the reconnecting the electronics comprisesplugging the bypass plug in to the at least some of the plurality ofterminals of the photovoltaic module.
 19. The method of claim 12,wherein the isolating portion of the bypass plug comprises at least oneprong configured to isolate, while the electronics are bypassed by thebypass plug, between a first terminal of the plurality of terminals anda second terminal of the plurality of terminals.
 20. The method of claim12, wherein the isolating portion of the bypass plug comprises a firstprong and a second prong, wherein the first prong is configured toisolate, while the electronics are bypassed by the bypass plug, betweena first terminal of the plurality of terminals and a third terminal ofthe plurality of terminals, and wherein the second prong is configuredto isolate between a second terminal of the plurality of terminals and afourth terminal of the plurality of terminals.
 21. The method of claim12, wherein while the electronics are bypassed by the bypass plug, thebypass plug is configured to electrically connect a first terminal ofthe plurality of terminals with a second terminal of the plurality ofterminals.